Today the spotlight turns to the amazing Diego N Marquez! He’s not only a teammate, but a swim coach to many of us and he is one of the nicest, most positive people you will ever meet!
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
Spring 2021
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
2016
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
My triathlon journey started when I moved to the woodlands in 2011. After volunteering at the Ironman finish line I knew I wanted to do it one day. Fast forward a few years, I was badly injured during a soccer tryout with Houston Dynamo. This injury would put me in a very bad place physically & mentally as I watched ALL my full ride scholarships be pulled due to injury, our soccer dream was over and at the moment, it seemed like life was too. The doctors had me biking and swimming for recovery and that’s when it clicked.. it was my time to do Ironman. This journey has had ups and downs but i’m thankful for the people I’ve met along the way and the person/athlete it has shaped me into. Finishing my first triathlon on 2016 (Miami 70.3) I was HOOKED. This sport truly changed my life.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
Austin SwimRun – SO MUCH FUN!!
IMTX – cant beat a big local race with friends and teammates spectating
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
finished 10X 70.3 & 3X 140.6
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Nutrition. even with a fuel plan my stomach is so unpredictable on race day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
pizza and coca-cola … hot or cold, I’ll take it!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
we have a lovely team of 4.
Realtor mom , Gina! official race sherpa and future triathlete (she doesn’t know yet)
International commercial insurance broker brother, Alejandro! a padel and jiu-jitsu beast!
Weiner dog named Sofi! official guard dog and treat connoisseur
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
Swim and tri coaching for all ages and skill levels! and I absolutely love it.
swim coach for PushGlideKick Swim Squad!
tri coach for SelecTRI Youth/Junior triathlon team of The Woodlands
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I won the live version of fear factor when I was 18.
I won 3rd place in badminton (singles) at the Junior Olympics for Mexico! I was 9 yrs old
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
Camaraderie – you guys are absolutely amazing!!
After being part of Big Sexy Racing for 3 years- I had a terrible experience and swore to never joined a tri team again. Once i started meeting vikings at local events it was a no brainer, this is where I needed to be!! Couldn’t be happier!
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Paulo Coelho
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
Definitely my mother. Her unwavering dedication, tireless work ethic, and selflessness have been the cornerstone of our family’s success. Her relentless determination and sacrifices have paved the way for our achievements and instilled in my brother and I a deep sense of gratitude and drive.
